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The Importance of Hearing Health Providers

As with a decline in eyesight, hearing loss can have a profoundly negative influence on a loved one’s life. But unlike eyesight, their hearing loss can be very subtle – but still have substantial effects. Because of this, no matter your age, regular hearing examinations by an audiologist are crucial.

What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional with advanced training and education in hearing and balance disorders. Audiologists hold masters or doctoral degrees from accredited universities with special training in the prevention, identification, assessment and treatment of hearing disorders.

As a result of their graduate education, professional certification and licensure, they are the most qualified professionals to perform hearing tests, dispense hearing aids and refer patients for medical treatment regarding disorders of the ear and hearing.

Other hearing health providers
General practitioners are of course available for hearing evaluations, but similar to audiologists, there are other professionals whose specialties are more focused on hearing health:

ENT physicians, or, otolaryngologists, are physicians that specialize in the treatment of individuals with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat (ENT). Like audiologists, they are trained to treat various hearing impairments, balance disorders, tinnitus, and nerve pain.

Hearing Aid Dispensers, although not certified auditory specialists, are licensed hearing aid providers that are very familiar with hearing aid electronics, specifications, analysis, modifications, and the programming of hearing aids.

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Overview

It is very rewarding to help others reconnect to life by hearing again. It can be challenging, especially if those with hearing loss aren’t willing to help themselves. Know how to approach them in the right way with the right information. Read more